Hjelde departs Sunderland, praised by fans for his contributions
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 13, 2026, 12:05 PM
Last updated Aug 13, 2026
Leo Hjelde's move to Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen has been met with discussions regarding his cult hero status among Sunderland supporters. The 22-year-old centre-back made 19 appearances for Sunderland during the 2024-25 Championship season, contributing significantly to their promotion to the Premier League. His impact was highlighted during critical moments of the play-off campaign, where he came on as a substitute just before key goals that secured their promotion. Despite not playing in the Premier League, Hjelde's late-season contributions have cemented his legacy with the club. Commentator Nick Barnes noted how fans recognize his pivotal role, stating that his actions are integral to Sunderland's recent history.
- •Hjelde transfers to KV Mechelen from Sunderland
- •He made 19 appearances in the 2024-25 season
- •Key player in Sunderland's play-off promotion run
- •Came on just before significant goals in play-off matches
- •Fans regard him as a cult hero for his contributions
- 12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Hjelde leaves Sunderland with 'cult status'
"Leo Hjelde's exit to Belgian Pro League side KV Mechelen has sparked the conversation at BBC Radio Newcastle around his cult hero status. The Norwegian centre-back featured 19 times for Sunderland in the Championship in 2024-25 on their way up to the Premier League, before going on loan to Sheffield United last season. While the 22-year-old missed out on playing in the top flight, football commentator Nick Barnes believes Sunderland fans can agree that without his contributions towards the end of their promotion campaign, they may never have made it back up in the first place.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
UFC•Aug 13, 2026, 1:34 PMUFC 330 preview and picks: Machado Garry is a real threat to Makhachev
UFC•Aug 13, 2026, 1:31 PMI do not have much time left in UFC - Makhachev
UFC•Aug 13, 2026, 1:05 PMOpen Thread, August 13, 2026: What scares you?
MMA•Aug 13, 2026, 1:00 PMUpgrade or Downgrade at Defensive End with Anthony Smith returning
MMA•Aug 13, 2026, 1:00 PMReferee Herb Dean makes mess of The Ultimate Fighter 34 fight with confusing call
UFC•Aug 13, 2026, 12:50 PMJason Parillo 'a ring-rust guy' but isn't worried about Mackenzie Dern at UFC 330